TIVOLI – The Ismael Martinez family not only lost a father and grandfather to their kids – Lupe Martinez – but their home and all their belongings.

Lupe Martinez died in the Austwell house fire Saturday night, June 1. His son and his son’s family were not in the house at the time of the fire.

Currently, Courtney Lenhart is hosting the family in her house. She said she’s known them for a long time and considers them part of her family.

“They are trying to get started with a bank – getting a home they can purchase,” Lenhart said.

“They are working on getting on their feet again,” she added.

Ismael Martinez, Karen Williams and their children Audrey, 9, and Mason, 10-and-a-half are slowly putting their lives back together.

In the meantime, Lenhart and numerous people have come to the family’s aid with planning a Ismael Martinez Benefit fundraiser.

Following the annual Tivoli Fourth of July parade, which begins at 10 a.m., barbecue brisket, rice, beans, pickles and onions will be offered at Lion’s Club Park for $8 a plate. Also, a bake sale and drinks will be offered.

Serving begins at 11 a.m.

All proceeds go to the Ismael Martinez family.

Also, a silent auction will feature these items:

Half-a-day fishing trip by Full Stringer Guide Services donated by Gary Alford of Seadrift; half-a-day fishing trip out of Port O’Connor donated by Joe Rivera of Port Lavaca; a rifle or shotgun donated by Gerad, Courtney and Tyler Lenhart.

Also, a Yeti donated by Atzenhoffer, Victoria; tool set donated by Hlavinka’s in Tivoli; four each of two-and-a-half gallons RoundUp donated by Monsanto & Lenhart Bros.; Weekend cabin at Hopper’s donated by Butch and Adela Hopper.

Also, two baby quilts donated by Jimmy and Debi Jackson; John Deere Monster Treads remote control tractor donated by South Texas Implement, Taft; Two $50 gift cards and T-shirt from Canales Cafe, Tivoli.